OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 240, 6 March 1880, Page 2

OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

(Fkom Our Own Correspondent.) Melbourne, Feb. 24. We are up to our necks in the general election, which is to take place on Saturday. Both Liberals and Conservatives arc working in right good earnest, and, as far as it is possible to judge, whicnever party obtains the majority, it will be exceedingly small. Pamphlets, emanating from both unities have been circulated in thousands throughout the length and breadth, of the colony. The Constitutional Party have had no less than three pamphlets, specially written by gentlemen of acknowledged ability, and well versed in political lore. Never since Victoria boasted a Parliament lias there been such interim interest manifest id as to ihe resu.t. The police authorities are making more than usual preparations to insure quietness and order ; but not withstanding "H thifc they can do, I fully expect that in some districts a collision will occur between f'e L's and C's. Nulling would suit that maniac Berry bette'( u Igiug from his frequent allusions in the Assembly) to "naming houses and streets flowing in blood." Such is the man who has held the helm of our Government during the last three years. Now, what can wo expect 1 And what do we deserve 1 C ipt. Standish, Inspector of Police, has requested the banks to close on Saturday, in case of a riot, which is expected. However, the banks do not seem to consider it necessary to do so. Two Conservative caudi !ates have been returned unopposed, both of whom are good men and thorough politicians. The Irish Famine Relief Fund now amounts to L 21,371 9s 2d, and, judging from the liberal v.ay subscriptions still continue to flow into the Committee.thereis no doubt that ere the list is closed, a sum of L 30,000 ought to be collected.

The trial of the directors of that i'l- - institution, the Provincial and Suburban Bank, is proceeding at the Central Criminal Court. It is expected to last some time, owing to the large number of witness to be examined. There can only be one opinion as to the result.

A decided hit has been made at the Peoples' Tlieutrc. Last Wednesday a ue.v pi -.ce, entitled "Agapemone, or The Thr e lniouents," was performed before a large and appreciative audience. Mr H. E. Walton, the talented actor, is the auti or of the piece, and wry much resembles •'The Happy Land," which the Unief Socr tary (Mr B.:rry) thought fit t>> prohibit a short time since The " Three L*n >c< nts" repi'esents pmnii eat ntemmiml'ers of the lute Ministry, namely. Mr Berry Secretary) designated Fairy B.; Sir Bryan O'Loughon (AttorneyGeneral) Fairy O'L. ; and lastly Mr Woods (Minister of Railways) Fairy W. Their evil genius is in the shape of Fairy H. A. Henderson (Africanus) black of face. I Haver witnessed a warmer piece upon an}' stage either »t Home or the colonies. The want of rain is being felt throughout llic country. Complaints are coming in from all sides of the scarcity of water.